teetotalism

American  

[tee-toht-l-iz-uhm, tee-toht-] / tiˈtoʊt lˌɪz əm, ˈtiˌtoʊt- /

noun

1. the principle or practice of total abstinence from intoxicating drink.

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Etymology

Origin of teetotalism

First recorded in 1825–35; teetotal + -ism

Explanation

Teetotalism is a noun, meaning staying away from alcohol. If you see someone drinking a soda at a bar, he might practice teetotalism or he might just be planning to drive himself home. Since drinking alcohol is generally an accepted practice now, the word teetotalism has fallen out of common use. You might think the groups promoting teetotalism in the United States in the 1920s succeeded when laws were passed prohibiting alcohol (effective from 1920 to 1933). However, you would be wrong, because with the Prohibition era came underground bars and homemade moonshine.

Example Sentences

Teetotalism also means Hynde doesn’t like restaurants or loud parties.

From The Guardian • Nov. 4, 2018

Teetotalism led to disagreement within the movement and a loss of momentum for reform after 1836.

From Textbooks • Dec. 30, 2014

But, judging from the ignorant way in which many of our rabid advocates of Teetotalism act and talk, we should say it was a house that very few of them ever stopped at.

From Punch - Volume 25 (Jul-Dec 1853) by Various

Incidentally also the Treatise furnishes us with his opinion on Teetotalism and the Permissive Bill.

From The Life of John Milton Volume 3 1643-1649 by Masson, David

Teetotalism is as impossible to such men as any other manifestation of cowardice, and, if it were possible, it would destroy their utility and significance just as certainly.

From Damn! A Book of Calumny by Mencken, H. L. (Henry Louis)